Mission Hope08-style is making an impact already - and the year has only just begun.
No fewer than 1,200 centres have now registered across the UK - well exceeding the original target. Churches, groups and individuals are joining forces to bring the Gospel to their communities through 'word and action' evangelism.
From grand cathedral events to home grown, cell-based prayer nights, New Year's Eve saw the launch of a whole range of projects across these islands. Christians from all denominations gathered to kick-start their plans with prayer.
Nearly 500 people descended on Truro Cathedral to launch Hope08 in Cornwall. 'More Christians got together in the cathedral than have been seen together in dozens of years,' said Juliet Williams of Love Cornwall, 'and it was amazing.'
Churches are working together to bring 'Fresh Hope' to people in their villages, towns and cities. For example, Churches Together in Driffield, Yorkshire, will undertake tasks as varied as putting on parenting and relationship workshops, organising a fun day, staging an original musical - and many other things.
'We pray this initiative will result in the churches working more closely together - and that the Christians of this town will be a real force for good,' Vicar Rev Mike Smith wrote in the online edition of the Driffield Post.
Reflecting the grassroots nature of Hope08, founders Mike Pilavachi, Roy Crowne and Andy Hawthorne are encouraging churches to 'take the vision and morph it to whatever suits your community'.
